Is Anybody Weary?

I had my Resurrection Day devotion fixed in my mind. “Worthy is the Lamb” was the title, and the focus was Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. I was meditating on that victory, that awesome event in history that not only changed the world but turned my own life upside down—well, maybe right side up—when I hit a wall right in the middle of the week. In the middle of a dressing room, to be exact. I was trying on a pair of Capri pants and a sadness washed over me.

Remember that devotion, “Through the Storm?” Well I’ve got a long one that I’m not “through” yet, one that I’ve been praying about for years, just one of those things that I’ve got to “wait on the Lord” for. I know this. I do. I know I’ve got to “count it all joy” (James 1) as I endure this trial. I know. But sometimes out of nowhere it just hits me—and I know it’s not really “out of nowhere.” It’s a spiritual attack. But in that moment, the sadness zapped my strength and cast a shadow over my world. It filled my mind and told me this is a really big problem, and I wasn’t doing enough to get a handle on it, wasn't worrying enough. The joy of clothes shopping evaporated as I stared in the mirror and saw the huge problem hovering overhead.

But then I remembered. Well, actually, I won’t even say I remembered. I think God in His grace just yanked me out of the moment with the words, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Those sweet words took hold like hands to my shoulders and turned me back to the victory of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because He died and rose again, I don’t have to wallow in despair. I don’t have to be weary. I don’t have to be weighed down—not with the burden of sin nor with the burden of trials that will inevitably come my way. Because He died and rose again, I can rest…knowing that my life is in His hands and He will take care of the things that concern me. I left the store feeling lighter, with praise on my mind.

Somebody else might be weary right now. You might be weary from a storm in your life, a prolonged trial, a heartbreak, or an illness. You might be weary because you’re still trying to make it out here on your own, trying to do the “right” thing, live a “good” life, but deep down you know it’s not working. No matter the cause, Jesus is the answer. He says, “Come to Me.” He won’t deny You. He died for You. Just come. Bring your load and lay it all at His feet. For He says, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

It might not be the title of the devotion, but I’m proclaiming still, “Worthy is the Lamb!” For He has conquered sin and death. He has given us hope and a future. He’s given us joy and peace. Because of His sacrifice, we don’t have to be weary. We can find rest for our souls.

Jesus, my heart is lifted up to You on this glorious day. You are worthy to be praised. You are the Son of God, the Savior of the world! You are the firstborn of the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth, You who died and rose again. Thank You for bearing my sins upon that cross. Thank You for giving me rest. Amen.